Flying from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Istanbul: what you need to know
Approximately 13 hours 58 minutes is how long you'll be travelling on a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul.
The timezone in Istanbul is UTC+3. The city is 10 hours ahead of Los Angeles, where Los Angeles International Airport is located.
The busiest route is from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST). There are 19 weekly services between these two airports. If you want to get going as soon as possible, the earliest flight from LAX to IST is the 13:05 Turkish Airlines option. If you prefer to leave later in the day, the last departure is at 19:55 with Turkish Airlines.
Give yourself plenty of time to make your flight from LAX to Istanbul. Generally, it's best to arrive at least two hours before international departures and an hour ahead for domestic flights.
Flying during a peak month like July? Busy periods (like summer, Christmas/New Year and spring break) can easily add another hour at check-in and security. Be extra cautious and arrive up to four hours ahead of international flights and two hours before a domestic departure.
You can get a direct flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul. Start your trip at LAX and land at Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST).
Look out for offers from Turkish Airlines. This airline has direct flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul.
Stopovers are the perfect opportunity to break up your trip — and maybe even visit a new city. When searching for flights from LAX to Istanbul, deselect the 'Direct flights only' box to see where you can stop along the way. Here are some options to consider:
London Heathrow Airport (LHR)
Denver International Airport (DEN)
Franz Josef Strauss Airport (MUC)
If you have a passport from United States and want to travel to Türkiye (Turkey) for tourism purposes, you won't need a visa. However, entry and visa requirements may differ based on the reason for your trip and can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's nearest embassy or consulate before reserving a cheap ticket from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul.
Travelling from central Los Angeles to LAX takes approximately 54 minutes by public transport. If you drive, ride-share or get a cab, you'll cover the 32 kilometres in 32 minutes or so, depending on traffic.
Searching for a handy hotel near LAX? If you've booked an early flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul, these accommodation options will put you moments from check-in:
How to find the cheapest flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Istanbul
The best price we've found for a one-way ticket from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul is P17,478. The cheapest price for a return flight is P38,738. Bear in mind fares can change due to demand at the time of booking.
Get cheap tickets from LAX to Istanbul by booking at least 8 months ahead. Based on our research, that's the sweet spot for finding the biggest deals.
The cheapest month for tickets from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul is April. Compare prices using the 'Whole month' tool and choose the date that offers the best deal.
Create a Price Alert for cheap tickets from LAX to Istanbul. There's no need to check back in every day to find out if fares have dropped. We'll tell you the moment the price changes.
Use the filters to tailor your flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul. Simply select your ideal arrival and departure times, airlines and number of stops. Or sort your results by 'Cheapest' to see the best deals.
Airports in Istanbul
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST)
Istanbul Ataturk Airport (IST) to central Istanbul takes about 50 minutes by car. It's approximately 48 kilometres away.
It'll take around 1 hour and 45 minutes if you're using public transport.
The last thing you want is a lengthy journey to your hotel if you're landing late on a flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul. Reserve one of these accommodation options near IST instead:
Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW)
Central Istanbul is approximately 48 kilometres from Sabiha Gokcen International Airport (SAW). As soon as your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul has hit the runway and you've made your way through the terminal, the drive should take about 57 minutes.
You can expect the journey to take roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes on public transport.
Place the 'Do not disturb' sign on your door and relax at a hotel close to SAW. Here are a few options where you can take a load off after your flight from LAX to Istanbul:
Best time to go to Istanbul
August is the busiest month to board a flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul while February is the quietest. To work out the ideal time to visit Istanbul, consider whether you prefer a lively vibe or a quieter pace.
Before you book a flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul, think about the type of weather you enjoy. August is the warmest month in Istanbul, with temperatures ranging from 20ºC to 30ºC.
If you like travelling in cooler conditions, lock in a cheap flight from LAX to Istanbul in January when temperatures average between 2ºC and 11ºC.
More about Istanbul
Start your Istanbul trip off on the right foot by choosing the ideal place to stay. Once you've booked your flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul, explore our selection of hotels including:
There are so many things to see and do in this city it can be tricky to work out where to begin. Topkapi Palace, The Basilica Cistern and Galata Tower are leading attractions which should feature on any good Istanbul itinerary.
Complete your Istanbul trip with a car rental
Select one of our car rentals in Istanbul and explore the city on your own terms. Easily compare companies in one go to find the perfect ride once you've locked in your hotel and cheap flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Istanbul.